Dad’s Different Kaiser

Dick Meyer's '54 Kaiser

After helping to build his sons big-block-powered Nova, Dick Meyer of Santa Monica, California, wanted to build something different. What he chose made his family cry, Dads going to embarrass us! The two-door 54 Kaiser Manhattan (one of only 218 built) you see here was the reason for the Meyer familys concern.

Throwing caution to the wind, Dick installed an Alston rear frame section, a 10-point cage, a 4.86-geared Ford 9-inch rearend with Aldan coil-overs and a four-link that holds the 33-inch Mickey Thompsons on Center Line Convo Pros in place. The engine compartment is filled with 377 cubic inches of blown Mouse backed by a Tony Rossi-prepped TH350. The body was completely restored by Vic Silveria, and the custom rollpan in front was fashioned by Vic as well. John Pugh of Van Nuys, California, sprayed on the candy pink and purple House of Kolor paint with blue pearl mixed in. Mikes Old Cars in El Segundo, California, restored all the old stainless to give the car that 50s look.

A Ron Francis Wire Works wiring kit runs power to the Auto Meter gauges and Alpine CD system, while a Budnik Saturn steering wheel and FloFit seatsre-covered to match the custom interior by Mike Ambrosemake the cruise a beautiful thing. It took Dick 2-½ years to build his Kaiser with help from his son Kevin, Joe Sines and Mel Peterson, but hes happy with the finished product. So are we.